Page 9 - Tennis Magazine April 2019
P. 9
Arias is a former world No. 5
Jimmy Arias in singles and is the director of
player development at the IMG
Academy in Bradenton, FL.
Last year at Indian Wells, Borna Milos Raonic reached the Indian I love coaching, and there’s over 200
Coric nearly beat Federer. He would Wells semifinals and Miami quar- juniors at the academy, where I start-
go on beat him on grass, and in terfinals in 2018, but is still lacking ed. I spend time with each group and
Shanghai. Are we overlooking Coric a signature title. What does he with the coaches. If I see something
among the ATP’s young talents? need to do to break through? I don’t like with someone’s stroke, I
I’m actually surprised by him. He He needs to find a way to stay talk to the coach first—I don’t want
used to get overpowered by bigger healthy, and sort out his mental to step on anyone’s toes. So I get to
players, was stuck 50 feet behind game. For a while, it seemed like he work with each of the kids, as well as
the baseline and his serve didn’t had a new coach every few months. the adult program. I’m doing a little
have much on it. Then, last season, When you’re playing your best, bit of what Nick’s always done.
his serve began getting him free there’s no technical thought. It’s
points. Coric always returned and simply, “How do I win this point? How often do you and Nick connect
defended well; he’s a great fighter. Where do I hit this serve? Where do today? You were so instrumental in
He competes as well as anybody. I hit this next ball?” If you’re think- each others’ success.
He’s obviously willing to work on his ing technically, you’re a split-second He’s got a court where he teaches
game and take a few more risks. late—which is too much. He thinks lessons, even at age 87. It’s indoors,
Coric has impressed me, and I think about his strokes and where his feet and I’m always outside. So I don’t see
he’ll continue to do well this season. are, which can be a problem. him much, but we talk and catch up.
He has a great attitude and belief in He’s still excited about everything. I
himself, which is so important at his We hear you’ve returned to Nick was his first student. He’s saying I’ll
level of competition. Bollettieri’s IMG Academy. continue his legacy.
M A R /A P R 2 0 1 9 T E N N I S . C O M 7
